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AFRICAN-AMERICANS KILLED NINE TIMES MORE BY POLICE. P3
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Volume 86 | Number 11
JANUARY 19, 2017 |FREE
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LOCAL GARNET COLEMAN leads Dowling St. name change
PRES. OBAMA LEAVES A LEGACY
END OF AN ERA
P2 FEATURE JOHN LEWIS sparks Democratic boycott
P9 H.S.ZONE GEORGE WALKER JR. named new stadium director
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Shemar Moore
Vance Joseph
The handsome actor spent eight years on the popular soap opera, “The Young and the Restless” and 11 seasons on “Criminal Minds.” He returns to the big screen in his own movie, “The Bounce Back.”
The University of Colorado alum heads to Denver after serving a stint as the defensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins. He has local ties serving as the secondary coach for the Texans under Gary Kubiak from 2011-2013.
produces, directs, stars
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new head coach
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Chandler Foreman and Dexter Foreman attend UNCF Youth gala.
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DEFENDER | JANUARY 19 | 2017
newstalk
Dowling St. renamed Emancipation Ave. Defender News Service
A Third Ward street named after a Confederate leader will get a new name, after Houston’s City Council approved the renaming of Dowling Street to Emancipation Avenue. State Rep. Garnet Coleman started a push to rename Dowling Street to Emancipation Avenue over a year ago. The street is at the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward and leads people to Emancipation Park. The site originally was the only municipal park available to Blacks, who pooled their money in 1872 to buy the property to celebrate their freedom. Dowling St. was originally named after a Confederate soldier. “I want to thank Mayor East Broadway, was changed to offend the Black Turner and the Houston City community who lived in the surrounding area by Council for renaming Dowling Street to Emannaming the street after Confederate Army Comcipation Avenue,” Coleman said in a statement. mander Dick Dowling. Renaming the street is “Emancipation Avenue is the perfect name for the righting one of the many wrongs of the past,” said street because it aligns with other streets that lead Coleman. Houstonians to the city’s major parks ─ such as The renaming will coincide with the reHermann Park with Hermann Drive and Memorial launching of Emancipation Park, located along Park with Memorial Drive.” Dowling. Purchased and founded by freed slaves While Mayor Sylvester Turner says the rein the 1872, Emancipation Park became a popular naming of Dowling Street is aimed at aligning the family space for the predominantly African-Amerstreet with the park for which it serves as a front ican community of Third Ward. In 2013 it closed door, Coleman calls this much more. for a $33.5 million dollar renovation project. “Dowling Street, which was originally named
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Affordable Care Act:
Amend not end By JASEMINE KNOWLES Defender
With the Republicans on Capitol Hill united on getting rid of President Barack Obama’s signature healthcare law without a replacement, Congressmen Gene Green and Al Green have joined the fight to save the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The “Green team,” along with State Sen. Sylvia Garcia and County Commissioner Rodney Ellis recently met with Northside residents at the Greater Jerusalem Community Recreation Center to voice their concerns for the future. Gene Green said he strongly supports reform and thinks there is room to improve the law. But, a full repeal may well be a shortsighted and drastic answer to solving the very real health care problems we face in the U.S. and in Texas. “If this repeal goes through without the ACA, it will not only leave people with pre-existing conditions back on the streets Congressman Al Green with no coverage, but it’ll effect the healthcare industry where many would lose their jobs,” he said. Ellis added the impact on not having ACA in Harris county is detrimental. “Healthcare is so important because the largest area of spending for Harris County government is healthcare. It is what we spend for the hospital district,” he said. “Another large area of spending is the justice system. Whether it’s civil or criminal, the biggest driver in those two areas is healthcare. That’s why ACA has made such a tremendous difference in Texas and in Harris County and we need it.” Though Republicans are working to repeal ACA, Gene Green said they [Democrats] are standing, ready and willing, to fight it to the end. “We are willing to work with our Republican friends to make ACA better. We want to amend and not end,” Al Green said. “It’s time for us to stand together and band together and make sure that healthcare is for everyone in this country.” In the meantime, there is still time to apply for healthcare here at HealthCare.gov. The deadline is Jan. 30th.
localbriefs STATE REP. JARVIS JOHNSON IS HOPING TO REQUIRE biannual psychological evaluations for police officers. Johnson has filed House Bill 625, which ensures that stress-related conditions do not translate into unacceptable policing outcomes, and will allow law enforcement officers to deal with situations using the full extent of their skills and training. Johnson hopes the bill will foster trust between police and the community, and decrease the rate of police shootings of unarmed civilians…..THE US SUPREME COURT WILL REVIEW THE DEATH PENALTY CASE of a Fort Worth man who shot and killed a five-yearold girl and her grandmother at a children’s birth-
day party. The high court said it would consider a legal distinction between ineffective lawyering in the trial court and during state appeals. Erick Davila, 29, received the death penalty for the 2008 shooting deaths. Davila, a gang member, drove up to a house where he knew a rival gang member, Jerry Stevenson, was and shot into the house and front porch. Instead of killing the man, Davila killed Stevenson’s daughter and mother. To be convicted of capital murder in this case, Davila must have knowingly and intentionally killed multiple people, which Davila said he was not trying to do…THE GREATER HOUSTON BLACK CHAMBER has released its first edition of the
Buy Black Directory. This directory was created to support their mission of providing access and awareness to Black businesses in the greater Houston area. The African-American community continues to reach new financial heights with a current buying power of 1.1 trillion dollars. With this growing power, a dollar typically circulates for six hours in the Black community, with only two cents of every dollar spent at Black-owned businesses. The launch of the Buy Black Directory will help direct the buying power back to Blackowned businesses, allowing for job creation and community growth, providing a brighter future for the next generation. Visit www.ghbcc.com.
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national
U.S.briefs SERVICES FOR BISHOP EDDIE LONG are set for Jan. 25. Long, 63, pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church died on Jan. 15. And while many are mourning his passing, his daughter, Taylor, broke her silence to speak out about her loss, noting that her father did not let his illness from cancer “kill his faith nor his spirit.” Taylor posted a picture of herself with her father along with her message of love: “I love you Dad. Thank you for being perfect. I cherish every moment I’ve shared w/ you even up to your last breath. I don’t blame God for wanting you back, I would too,” she wrote…..U.S. CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS HAVE BEGUN PROTESTS of Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration with a march in Washington, vowing to keep fighting for equality and justice under the upcoming administration. Chanting “no justice, no peace,” a few thousand protesters, headed by the Rev. Al Sharpton marched along the National Mall toward the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Pre-march speakers denounced Trump to protesters, who braved drizzle and temperatures just above freezing to show their support for minority rights and President Barack Obama’s signature healthcare law, which Trump has vowed to dismantle….CHICAGO POLICE REGULARLY VIOLATE CITIZENS’ CIVIL RIGHTS, routinely fails to hold officers accountable for misconduct and has poorly trained officers at all levels, according to a sweeping Justice Department probe of the nation’s second-largest police department. The report examined not just the on-the-street actions of the police department, but its institutional practices like training, accountability and discipline. The findings echo those of an April 2016 report released by Chicago’s thennew Police Accountability Task Force, which emphasized that the police department must face a “painful but necessary reckoning” that includes acknowledging its racist history and its consequent legacy of corruption and mistrust ― particularly between the department and the minority communities it polices.
VOLUME 86 • NUMBER 11 JANUARY 19, 2017 Publisher Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Ad/Client Relations Selma Dodson Tyler Digital Editor LaGloria Wheatfall Art Director Tony Fernandez-Davila Proofer Maia Shelby
Editors ReShonda Billingsley Marilyn Marshall Contributing Writers Aswad Walker Jasemine Knowles Amber Vernon Sports Editors Max Edison Darrell K. Ardison
The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Inc. Company (713-663-6996.. The Defender is audited by Certified Audited Circulation. (CAC). For subscription, send $60-1 year to: Defender, P.O. Box 8005, Houston TX 77288. Payment must accompany subscription request. All material covered by 2012 copyright. (No material herein may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher).
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Blacks killed nine times more by police Defender News Services
As Sen. Jeff Sessions waits to be confirmed for attorney general – the nation’s top law enforcer – there are renewed concerns about the expected abandonment of criminal justice reform by Donald Trump’s incoming administration A new study analyzing data from 2016 revealed that young Black men were again killed by police at a sharply higher rate than other Americans in 2016. Black males, ages 15-34, were nine times more likely than other Americans to be killed by law enforcement officers last year, according to data collected for the Counted, an effort by the Guardian The 2014 police killing of unarmed Black teen Michael Brown sparked riots in newspaper to record every Ferguson, Mo. such death. They were also Sessions on what role, if any, the Justice Departkilled at four times the rate of ment would play in trying to help police departyoung white men. ments nationwide reduce the number of people Racial disparities persisted in 2016 even they kill,” the campaign group said in a report. as the total number of deaths caused by police The 2016 data showed a decline in the numfell slightly. In all, 1,091 deaths were recorded ber of unarmed people killed by police, a central for 2016, compared with 1,146 logged in 2015. concern of protests across the country after the Several 2015 deaths only came to light last year, fatal shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed suggesting the 2016 number may yet rise. Black 18-year-old, in Ferguson, Mo., in August The total is again more than twice the FBI’s 2014. A total of 169 unarmed people were killed annual number of “justifiable homicides” by in 2016, compared with 234 in 2015. police, counted in recent years under a voluntary There was a marked increase in the number system allowing police to opt out of submitting of Native Americans killed by police, although details of fatal incidents. Plans to improve the the available sample size was relatively small. A government records have been thrown into doubt total of 24 Native Americans were killed by poby the election of Trump, who campaigned as a lice in states across the U.S., compared with 13 “law and order” conservative. killed in 2015. Eleven of the Native Americans “This data is so important,” said Chuck killed in 2016 were young males, meaning that Wexler, the executive director of the Police this group was almost six times more likely than Executive Research Forum. “We have to capture Americans at large to be killed by law enforcethe whole range of use of force by police, and ment. we have to have a way to identify how we are There was little movement, however, in doing.” other demographic data. In 2016, 53 percent of Citing the Guardian findings, the Ameripeople killed by police were white, compared can Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) expressed with 51 percent in 2015. Hispanic or Latino renewed concern over Trump’s nomination of people comprised 17 percent of the total in both Sessions, a rightwing Republican senator from years. There was a small decline in the proporAlabama, who has been hostile to critics of potion of African-Americans among the total, from lice, such as the Black Lives Matter movement. 27 percent to 24 percent. “Committee members should also question
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JANUARY 19 | 2017 | DEFENDER
entertainment
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‘The Bounce Back’ Shemar Moore produces, stars in film
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By KAM WILLIAMS Contributing Writer
hemar Moore was born in Oakland in 1970 to an African-American father and a mother of Irish and French-Canadian extraction. While still in school at Santa Clara University, he started modeling on the side to help pay the bills. Since college, Moore has flourished both as an actor and fashion model. He’s probably best known for playing Derek Morgan on the TV series “Criminal Minds” for 11 seasons and for the eight years he spent prior to that as Malcolm Winters on the popular soap opera, “The Young and the Restless.” Here, he talks about starring opposite Nadine Velazquez and Bill Bellamy in the big screen release, “The Bounce Back.” Kam Williams: What interested you in “The Bounce Back?” Shemar Moore: It was the sweet, fun script that had been around about a decade. But it’s all about timing. Ten years ago, I was just getting my feet planted with “Criminal Minds.” It didn’t work out with my schedule back then. Fortunately, the script came back around. I thought it was a silly, fun, sweet story that people would like. To be honest, in the beginning, I knew that the transition from “Criminal Minds” was on the horizon, so I started thinking about the next steps I could take as an actor, going forward with my career. After unsuccessfully shopping the script around, I seized upon the opportunity to produce the film myself. And the next thing you know, here I was executive producing the picture, and raising $630,000 through my fan base. I call them my Baby Girls. It was a great hug and pat on my back that they believed in me and were so loyal to me. I’m very proud that we not only made a movie, but got it out into theaters, and that my Baby Girl Nation was a part of it. KW: How similar are you to your character, Matthew Taylor?
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Shemar Moo
SM: As an actor, I find the essence and elements of myself in any character I play. I think Bill Bellamy and Moore star in “The Bounce Back.” I believe a little bit of Matthew’s philosophy and a little bit of Kristin circumstances. I feel so grateful that I never take it for Peralta’s (Nadine Velazquez’s granted that I have the opportunity to be in this line of work. character’s) philosophy. One can’t exist without the other. I pinch myself and say, “Wow! This is really my life.” And Love is a tricky, beautiful, exciting, complicated, elusive away from showbiz, I’m a homebody. I’m in sweats or entity. But it hits when you least expect it. Matthew Taylor jeans and a T-shirt. I love my two bulldogs I take care of, figured it out. So now it’s Shemar Moore’s turn. I’m a and my mom; my partner in crime. She drives me crazy, but romantic, and I believe in love. that’s my momma. I listen to music, I watch sports, I hang KW: What’s the biggest difference between who you out with friends. I’m a pretty normal cat. People who’ve are at home as opposed to the person we see on the red carpet? known me for a long time see that I haven’t changed. My SM: I’m very blessed to be in Hollywood, but I refuse circumstances have changed, but I’m the same old guy I to be Hollywood. I’m just a regular dude with extraordinary was before Hollywood.
what’sup REGINA KING, along with her production company Royal Ties, has just signed a two-year deal with ABC Studios. Under the deal, King will work to generate new ideas and new content for the studios, and King’s sister, REINA KING will work with her as development executive in creating new projects for ABC….QUEEN LATIFAH says she is working on a “Living Single” reboot. The project would see Latifah reunited with KIM COLES, ERIKA ALEXANDER, T.C. CARSON, JOHN HENTON, MEL JACKSON, and KIM FIELDS. And while it seems like everyone is excited to see this ’90s throwback
return to the screen, it’s unclear whether or not it would come to TV or a streaming site like Netflix….STEVE HARVEY experienced extreme backlash after a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump. Harvey said he attended the meeting so that we “could have a seat at the table.” After the meeting, Harvey held a press conference with Trump, and said Trump was “sincere.” The meeting outraged supporters because Harvey had been a vocal critic of Trump….. ZOE SALDANA also found herself in hot water after claiming Hollywood’s “bullying” tactics emboldened the electorate into voting for DONALD TRUMP.
“We were trying to single out a man for all these things he was doing wrong,” she continued, “and that created empathy in a big group of people in America that felt bad for him and that are believing in his promises.”… Two of Rep. JOHN LEWIS’ books have sold out on Amazon after the Democratic congressman claimed the top spots on the retailer’s bestseller list. Sales of the civil rights leader’s graphic novel, “March,” and his 2015 memoir, “Walking With the Wind,” skyrocketed following his feud with President-elect Donald Trump over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.
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DEFENDER | JANUARY 19 | 2017
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Obama leaves By MARILYN MARSHALL Defender
President Obama signed the Affordable Health Care Act in 2010.
Top 10 accomplishments By THE WHITE HOUSE Defender News Services
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Passed the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), giving 20 million more Americans access to health coverage and driving the uninsured rate below 10 percent. Obamacare established financial assistance to help Americans who otherwise couldn’t afford health coverage and prohibited coverage denials and reduced benefits due to pre-existing conditions.
Stabilized the economy and laid the groundwork for longterm growth. Obama led the country through the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, and took steps to create jobs, lower the unemployment rate and rescue the auto industry.
Quotes by Ob
Addressed the impact of climate change and made a historic commitment to protecting the environment. The Obama administration established the first national carbon pollution standards for power plants and set standards to double the fuel economy of passenger vehicles by 2025. Eliminated Osama bin Laden, which dismantled al Qaeda’s leadership. Obama described bin Laden as “a terrorist who’s responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children.” Tackled poverty by expanding economic opportunity and investing in neighborhoods and communities. The poverty rate fell from 14.8 percent in 2014 to 13.5 percent in 2015, leading the number of people in poverty to decrease by 3.5 million. Signed the Fair Sentencing Act, which reduces the disparity in the amounts of powder cocaine and crack cocaine required for mandatory minimum sentences. It also increased monetary penalties for major drug traffickers.
Granted commutations to more prisoners than the past 11 presidents combined. Obama reduced the sentences of 1,176 men and women incarcerated under “outdated and unduly harsh sentencing laws,” including 395 individuals who were serving life sentences.
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arack Obama made history in 2008 when he was elected the nation’s first African-America president. Obama, a former U.S. sena tor, lawyer, law school lecturer and community organizer, promised hope and change as the 44th president. In addition to his agenda, Obama broug to the White House a Black first family – his wife Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha. After eight years in office, Obama is being succeeded by Donald Trump. Here, the Defender looks at Obama’s accomplishments, some of his most memorable quotes and what lies ahead.
Change
Obama hugged Kemba Smith during a meeting with ex-offenders.
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Combatted veteran homelessness by working with local communities, cutting homelessness among veterans nearly in half. In addition, the veteran unemployment rate fell to 3.6 percent, an eight-year low.
Refocused and reaffirmed American leadership in the world, including ending U.S. combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, securing a landmark multilateral deal to roll back the Iranian nuclear program, and restoring diplomatic relations with Cuba.
Advocated for marriage equality for same-sex couples, a position the Supreme Court supported in its historic decision legalizing gay marriage nationwide. Obama also signed the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010, allowing gays to serve openly in the U.S. military.
Change isn’t something that happens every four years or eight years; change is not placing your faith in any particular politician and then just putting your feet up and saying, ‘Okay, go.’ Change is the effort of committed citizens who hitch their wagons to something bigger than themselves and fight for it every single day.”
Fatherhood
“I was raised by a heroic single mother and wonderful grandparents who made incredible sacrifices for me…But I still wish I had a father who was not only present, but involved. And so my whole life, I’ve tried to be for Michelle and my girls what my father wasn’t for my mother and me. I’ve tried to be a better husband, a better father, and a better man.”
Injustice
“We’ve got a justice gap when too many Black boys and girls pass through a pipeline from underfunded schools to overcrowded jails. This is one area where things have gotten worse. When I was in college, about half a million people in America were behind bars. To-
defendernetwork.com • Serving th
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s legacy of hope, change
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What’s next for Obama?
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day, there are about 2.2 million. Black men are about six times likelier to be in prison right now than white men.”
Progress
“America’s progress has never been smooth or steady. Progress doesn’t travel in a straight line. It zigs and zags in fits and starts. Progress in America has been hard and contentious, and sometimes bloody. It remains uneven and at times, for every two steps forward, it feels like we take one step back…But because of dreamers and innovators and strivers and activists, progress has been this nation’s hallmark.”
Obama was sworn in for a second term in 2013 and was joined by his wife Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha.
Race
“After my election, there was talk of a post-racial America. Such a vision, however well-intended, was never realistic. For race remains a potent and often divisive force in our society. I’ve lived long enough to know
he Houston area for over 85 years
that race relations are better than they were 10, or 20, or 30 years ago – you can see it not just in statistics, but in the attitudes of young Americans across the political spectrum. But we’re not where we need to be. All of us have more work to do.”
During his farewell address in Chicago, outgoing President Barack Obama said he would continue to serve the United States. “My fellow Americans, it has been the honor of my life to serve you,” he said. “I won’t stop; in fact, I will be right there with you, as a citizen, for all my days that remain.” Obama is expected to serve in various ways. He told a town hall meeting last October that he and Michelle Obama would continue working with two initiatives launched during their time in the White House – My Brother’s Keeper Initiative and Let Girls Learn. He will play a reduced role in politics. In an interview with NPR this past December, Obama said, “I’m less likely to get involved in all the nuts and bolts of electioneering. In that realm, I’m much more likely to just give advice. What I am interested in is just developing a whole new generation of talent,” he said. Obama added that he could provide those young people with “whatever resources, credibility or spotlight that I can bring to help them rise up.” Another way he will serve is through the Obama Presidential Center, scheduled to open in 2021 on Chicago’s South Side. The $500 million center will house Obama’s presidential library, archives and foundation headquarters. “In my own work as an ex-president, I’m hoping to continue working with young people through my presidential center,” Obama told a group of Southeast Asia youth during a 2016 trip to Laos. After he leaves office, Obama and his family will move to a mansion in the upscale Kalorama neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The Obamas will remain in D.C. until daughter Sasha completes high school. Their older daughter Malia is taking a break before enrolling in Harvard University in the fall of 2017.
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DEFENDER | JANUARY 19 | 2017
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opinion
Assessing President Obama’s impact and legacy By MARC H. MORIAL (President/CEO, National Urban League)
“That faith that I placed all those years ago, not far from here, in the power of ordinary Americans to bring about change, that faith has been rewarded in ways I could not have possibly imagined.” – President Barack Obama, Farewell Address, January 10, 2017 Throughout our history, the National Urban League has taken seriously our responsibility to hold the President of the United States accountable to the needs of urban America and communities of color. During the Great Depression, Executive Secretary Eugene Kinckle Jones served on President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s “Black Cabinet.” Lester Granger, who headed the League during World War II, is among those credited with persuading President Harry Truman to desegregate the Armed Forces. Whitney M. Young advised presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson and was instrumental in the passage of the landmark Civil Rights Act. Urban League Presidents Vernon Jordan, John Jacob and Hugh Price continued our engagement with the Presidents with whom they served to further the work of civil rights and secure support for Urban League programs. The first African-American Presidency quite naturally has held special significance for the National Urban League. In recognition of Barack Obama’s unique place in American history, we set out to create a comprehensive analysis of his two terms, which we released earlier this week to great national interest. Any evaluation of the Obama administration must first recognize that he inherited the worst economy since the Great Depression, and was faced with Congressional opposition unprecedented in its intensity and sinister nature. Both his accomplishments and his failures must be evaluated against those conditions. In creating our scorecard, the National Urban League harkened back to the famous question Ronald Reagan asked the nation during his sole debate against President Jimmy Carter: “Are you better off than you were four years ago?” In this instance, the question is, “Is the nation better off than it was eight years ago?” And, “Is Black
America better off than it was eight years ago?” The answer to both questions is, unequivocally, “Yes.” President Obama is leaving office with an approval rating even higher than Reagan’s, exceeded only by Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower and Bill Clinton. During Obama’s presidency, the economy has added 15 million new jobs, and the jobless rate has dropped from 7.6 percent to 4.7 percent — and from 12.7 percent to 7.8 percent for African Americans. The high school graduation rate for African Americans has increased from 66.1 percent to 75 percent. There are 614,000 fewer long-term unemployed. Wages are up 3.4 percent. More than 16 million Americans who were uninsured now have health care coverage, with the uninsured rate for African Americans cut by more than half. Barack Obama’s passion and steady hand made a huge difference in charting a progressive course and positively impacted the lives of ordinary Americans. Black Americans felt both the
pride of his accomplishments and the pain when it was clear his opponents sought to diminish a great American. I am confident the long arc of history will judge him favorably. While we scored many of the administration’s achievements with our highest rating, “Superior,” President Obama’s tenure as a whole had shortcomings, due to some notable missed opportunities and outright failures, such as the economic development of urban centers, gun violence and the foreclosure rate and bank closure rate in communities of color and low-income neighborhoods. On these and other issues, we rated the Obama administration “Fair” or “Poor.” Our evaluation springs from a consideration of his accomplishments balanced against the conditions under which he served. The National Urban League has given the Obama Administration an overall rating of “Excellent,” our second-highest rating. Marc Morial is the President and CEO of the National Urban League. Follow Marc on Twitter at @marcmorial.
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JANUARY 19 | 2017 | DEFENDER
Growing number of Dems boycott inauguration Defender News Service
From his controversial politics to his recent comments questioning civil rights legend and U.S. Rep. John Lewis, Presidentelect Donald Trump has inspired more than two dozen Democratic lawmakers to boycott his inauguration, including Houston Congressman Al Green. Rep. Lewis drew the ire of Trump when he told NBC News he did not plan to attend the inauguration because he did not consider Trump to be a “legitimate” president, citing the election interference from Russia when pressed to explain why.
“I don’t plan to attend the inauguration,” Lewis said. “It will be the first one that I miss since I’ve been in Congress. You cannot be at home with something that you feel that is wrong, is not right.” Rep. John Lewis Trump responded the next day by attacking Lewis and saying he should spend more time focused on his own “failing”
School of the Woods hosts last Open House Defender News Service
Every year School of the Woods hosts five get acquainted evenings for anyone interested in learning about Montessori education. The events are publicized and draw people from the general public, as well as parents whose children are already enrolled. The last of those Open Houses will take place on Jan. 24. Previous Open Houses focused on middle and high school. The Jan. 24th event will focus on Early Childhood. Potential parents will
observe how the fundamentals and specific materials of the Montessori system begin to develop a child’s intellect from the earliest ages. School of the Woods is an independent, nonprofit and nonsectarian school, Houston’s oldest continuously operating Montessori school, pre-K through grade 12, and is fully accredited. Woods High School is one of several Montessori high schools across the U.S. Woods Middle School is on the School’s main campus at 1321 Wirt Road. For more information, call School of the Woods, 713.686.8811.
district. The response from Trump inspired a wave of progressive backlash, with a new crop of Democrats announcing their intentions to boycott the inauguration over the comments about Lewis. “For some time, I have been hearing from many constituents with varying points of view on the question of whether I will attend the inauguration,” Congressman Green said in a statement. “Dr. King was right when he indicated: On some issues ‘cowardice asks the question, is it safe? Expediency asks the ques-
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tion, is it politic? Vanity asks the question, is it popular? But, conscience asks the question, is it right? And there comes a time when we must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because it is right.’ I will not attend the inauguration because conscience says it is the right thing to do.” While some of the lawmakers have actively chosen to make their opposition to Trump known, many say they never planned to attend, since the inauguration falls during a congressional recess and the city will otherwise be overwhelmed with visitors.
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DEFENDER | JANUARY 19 | 2017
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sports
Anthony Lynn
Lynn, new coach of the Chargers, was formerly the Bills’ interim coach. Vance Joseph
Two Black NFL coaches hired
T
By MAX EDISON Defender
he Denver Broncos recently hired Vance Joseph as their new head coach. A few days later the Los Angeles (formerly San Diego) Chargers hired Anthony Lynn as their new head coach. Why are these names significant? Both men are African-American and first-time
head coaches. This NFL offseason has seen six head coaching vacancies. Over the previous five hiring seasons, from 2012 to 2016, 22 first-time head coaches were hired. The only minority, former Arizona Cardinal defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, landed the top spot with the New York Jets in 2015. “The thing that was extremely gratifying is that there were no token interviews this year,” said John Wooten, chairman of the Fritz Pollard Alliance (FPA), who has worked tirelessly for diversity in executive and head coaching opportunities in the NFL since 2003. The FPA promotes candidate talent development for coaching, front office executives and scouting staff throughout the NFL. “Several of the guys had two and three interviews,” Wooten said. “We saw the process operate as it should. “In addition, I was pleased with Commissioner [Roger Goodell] and the way the league incorporated the candidates who had been vetted from our ‘ready’ list to the teams who had vacancies,” Wooten said. Vance Joseph, a University of Colorado alum, heads to Denver after serving a stint as defensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins. He has local ties, serving as the secondary coach for the Texans under Gary Kubiak from 2011-2013. Joseph was elated to receive the opportunity in Denver and make history as well.
Joseph, new coach of the Broncos, previously worked with the Dolphins.
“As far as being the first Black head coach here, I’m honored, I’m proud,” Joseph said during his introductory news conference. “Hopefully going forward, that part is not considered any longer. “As we go along in the future, it shouldn’t matter what color you are,” Joseph said. “If you can do the job, they should hire you. But I understand it, and I’m proud and humbled by it, and moving forward, I want to do a good job so the next guy can get his opportunity.” John Elway, Broncos executive VP of Football Operations/GM and former star quarterback, summed up what impressed him about Joseph. “I’ll say this: he’s very smart, he’s an ex-quarterback.
You think all he knows is the defensive side, but he’s aware of what we need to do on the offensive side, too. I think that’s why the combination is tremendous,” Elway said. Anthony Lynn takes over the Charger top spot after serving as offense coordinator/running backs coach and interim head coach of the Buffalo Bills. He’s a Texas native who grew up in Celina and was a standout running back at Texas Tech. Professionally, he was an undrafted free agent, playing six years in the NFL between the Broncos and the 49ers. Lynn earned a pair of Super Bowl rings as a Bronco in 1997 and 1998. John Spanos, Chargers president of Football Operations, explained what sold them on Lynn. “One thing that’s very clear about Anthony Lynn is he’s a leader,” Spanos said. “As you can tell, I am very excited about the leadership qualities he’s going to bring to our team. He is really going to communicate and connect with our players. “He’s had a number of great coaching influences in his life and as a former player who won two Super Bowls, Anthony knows first-hand what championship pedigree is all about,” Spanos said.” For Lynn, the opportunity to be an NFL head coach is a dream that became reality. “I’m having a hard time even putting into words how excited I am to be the new head coach for the Los Angeles Chargers,” Lynn said. “This is really a dream come true. “I want all of our fans to know that we’re going to start by putting together a great staff and we’re going to put together a team with the heart and will of a champion. I know there’s a lot of work to be done and I’m going to give everything I have to the Chargers, the Spanos family and the city of Los Angeles.”
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h.s.zone Walker named stadium director at Butler BY DARRELL K. ARDISON Defender
G
eorge Walker is a legend in the annals of Houston schoolboy athletics. Now his son is a pioneer in the history of HISD athletic administration. George Walker Jr. is the new stadium director of the Joe Kelly Butler Athletic Complex located on South Main near Hillcroft. Walker Jr. becomes the first African-American stadium director of the iconic facility that has seen the likes of NFL Hall of Famer Michael Singletary, Vince Young and Chuck Knoblauch George Walker Jr. pass through its doors. ences and hopefully help out some of these kids as they HISD athletic director Marmion Dambrino made the official announcement in a prepare to go on their own journeys,” Walker said. Reaching out to the community in an effort to recent statement. increase attendance at the games will be one of the “George is an outstanding employee, He enjoys his first priorities for Walker in his new position at Butler. work and enjoys watching the progress of our studentSports at the facility range from football, volleyball, athletes,” Dambrino said. “He’s an asset to our departbasketball, baseball, soccer and softball, along with ment and will be an asset at Butler Sports Complex. track and field. Walker takes over following a three and a half year stint “Some adults don’t realize that it makes a differas assistant director under Rhonda Rogers at HISD’s ence in the lives of our young people,” Walker said. “It Barnett Sports Complex. means so much to our “I’m honored and very kids when they have humbled to be even considsupport in the stands.” ered for such a prestigious Who came to the rescue for the “Getting that position,” Walker said. “I’m Wheatley boys in a key District 18-4A positive support right excited about the opportunity. basketball game? here at these games can “Being the first (Africandrive them to make the American) at this facility right decisions when means I have to excel because they come to forks in the road,” Walker said. I want others to follow,” Walker said. “I know that by Another project that interests Walker is constructing trusting in God along with the support of my family a museum honoring the past accomplishments of former and friends that I’ll be okay.” HISD standout athletes. Walker, 31, says his promotion becomes even “We can prepare our kids for the future by educatmore meaningful because Butler Stadium was the site ing them about our stars from the past,” he said. of many of his own exploits as a student-athlete at George Walker Sr., his father, was recently inducted Westbury High School, where he lettered in football into the Prairie View Interscholastic League Coaches As(All-American), basketball and ran track. sociation Hall of Fame for his athletic achievements. His Then he earned a football scholarship to the Unimother Sandra Walker coached for more than 30 years at versity of Texas and graduated in 2008. Houston’s Wheatley High School. “I’ve made my share of mistakes, so it’s over“My parents, my grandparents and good people like whelming at times when I think about coming full the Square family helped get me to this point,” Walker circle,” Walker said. “It brings back the memories of said. “I just want to thank Rhonda Rogers for grooming becoming a student-athlete and having some success. me and Ms. Dambrino for having confidence in me.” “Now I’m able to come back and share my experi-
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JANUARY 19 | 2017 | DEFENDER
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sportsbriefs Texans’ coordinator gone After fielding one of the NFL’s least productive offenses, the Texans have asked offensive coordinator George Godsey to turn in his keys and vacate the building for good. The Texans labeled it “reaching a mutual decision.” The team’s offense was ranked 29th out of 32 NFL teams. “I’m grateful for the tireless work ethic and contributions George has made to our team over the last three years,” said head coach Bill O’Brien. “I wish him nothing but the best in the future.” The question now is who will succeed Godsey and jump-start the anemic offense. O’Brien said the team had to “play better offensively” following its 34-16 defeat to New England in round two of the playoffs.
Will Garrett be No. 1? Now that the collegiate football season has concluded, the next order of business is evaluating those players who have declared for the April NFL draft. As scouts grade talent, there is a growing consensus that Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett is the nation’s No. 1 talent. At 6-foot-6, 270 pounds, Garrett immediately passes the eye test and would be the first person you want to exit the bus. He explodes out of his stance and can win with speed, power or hand moves. His production dipped this season because of an injury and constant double and triple teams. Most experts think he has the potential to be as dominant as former Aggie standout and Super Bowl MVP Von Miller.
Furr coach nominated Furr High School assistant football coach Matthew Valmore has been nominated for the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award by the NFL Foundation for his leadership, dedication to the community and commitment to player health and safety. “This is like a dream. I’m humbled, honored and very appreciative to be considered for such a prestigious award,” Valmore said. He was nominated for the award by the Houston Texans after being named a High School Coach of the Week in November. Valmore is among 32 high school coaches from across the country nominated by an NFL team for the national award, which is named for the winningest coach in NFL history. Valmore will participate in the NFL’s week-long celebration of football at the 2017 Pro Bowl in Orlando, Fla. The winner will be announced during the third quarter of the Pro Bowl on Jan. 29 and will be awarded $10,000 from the NFL Foundation with $5,000 going toward his high school football program. The game will be televised live by ESPN.
FBISD hosts signing day The Fort Bend ISD athletic department in conjunction with the Professional Football Player Mothers Association will host a National Signing Day ceremony on Feb. 1. The event will take place between 8-9 a.m. at Wheeler Fieldhouse located at 16403 Lexington Drive in Sugar Land. All Fort Bend ISD football players signing national letters of intent will be recognized. Family and friends are invited. A spring sports national signing ceremony will be held the first week of May.
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DEFENDER | JANUARY 19 | 2017
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Happening in Houston For event coverage email: events@defendermediagroup.com
topevents
BLACK HERITAGE WESTERN GALA……..The Houston Livestock Show and is the nation’s largest private scholarship provider to minority group members. Each Rodeo Black Heritage Committee held its 24th Annual Black Heritage Western Gala year, the organizations awards over $100 million in scholarships to students across at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The gala recognized black publications the country. In fact, a $5,000 local scholarship will be named in honor of the gala’s that have made a positive impact in the community. Honorees included Keith J. Davis, organizer Hariette Street. In attendance were UNCF chair Pat Pellerin, Miss Houston Sr. of D-Mars Business Journal, Roy Douglas Malonson of African American News, Chandler Foremen, Chase Hubbard, Blake Lanier, Kayelyn Summerville, Jared Sonceria “Sonny” Messiah –Jiles of the Houston Defender, Francis Page, Jr. of the Cyprian, Alexandria DeWalt, Christian Jones, Jeff Shaw and many more…….. Houston Style Magazine, Karen Richards of the Forward Times and Dorris Robinson MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR……..The Community of the Houston Sun. In attendance were Congressman Al Green, Music Center of Houston recently held its Annual Musical Tribute city controller Chris Brown, city councilmen Larry Green, Defender TOP EVENTS to Martin Luther King, Jr. at St. Mary’s United Methodist Church. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo board member Warner More photos on defendernetwork.com The program featured the Scott Joplin Chamber Orchestra and St. D. Ervin, Judge Clarease Yates, Cary Yates, Paula Barrett, Mary’s Choir. With music director Dr. Anne Lundy, the orchestra Terence Narcisse, LaJoyce Lawton, Debra Mickens, Katrine and choir performed musical tributes to jazz classics and executed Rene, Jo Ann Petitt and a host of others……..UNCF YOUTH GALA……..UNCF a new piece layered with quotes from some of MLK’s famous speeches. In attendance hosted its 20th Annual Houston Youth Gala at the Bayou City Event Center. Each year were CMCH Co-founder Ron Scales, National Black United Front Chairman Kofi in January, high school students from the Greater Houston and surrounding areas come Taharka, Busi Peters-Maughar, Dr. Bill Hancock, Travis McGee, Elizabeth together to raise funds for education. Over 1,000 students attended the event. UNCF Watkins, Dr. Regenia Hicks, Sondera Malry, Dr. Xyna Bell and many more.
Larry Green, Chris Brown
Melba Ervin, Warner D. Ervin
Hariette Street, Pat Pellerin
Jared Cyprian, Kayelyn Summerville
Kofi Taharka, Busi Peters-Maughar, Dr. Bill Hancock
Dr. Anne Lundy (right) and orchestra members
Chandra Adams, Al Green
Chandler Foreman, Dexter Foreman
Ron Scales, Elizabeth Watkins
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